Pros and Cons of Being an EKG Technician

An EKG Technician is an important player in the healthcare sector who mainly conducts Electrocardiograph tests, detects any irregularities, and communicates their findings to doctors.  

The career of an EKG technician is rewarding. But just like any profession, it has some Pros and Cons. You need to know this first to make an informed decision before you start your career.

Here are the top 10 Pros and Cons of becoming an EKG technician. Make sure to take note of what suits you and what doesn’t. 

Also see: What does an EKG Technician Do?

Quick Overview:  

Now, let us explain what each Pros and Cons are.

Read more: Facts About EKG Technicians.

Let’s begin with the Pros first:

Pros of Becoming an EKG Technician

Here are the 10 Pros of becoming an EKG Technician: 

Job stability

The most sought-after aspect of any career is job stability. You would be delighted to know that job security is high in this career. Also, the healthcare industry is rapidly growing, and there is a constant demand for skilled & Certified EKG Technicians. 

See: EKG Technician Jobs

Short training period

It usually requires a shorter training period, compared to other healthcare professions, to become an EKG Technician. You can complete your EKG Technician Training within months. How cool is that?

Entry-level position

EKG technicians generally serve as an entry point to the vast healthcare sector. It serves as a stepping stone for other healthcare careers after you gain experience and required education. 

Read: EKG Technician Requirements

Helping patients

EKG technicians perform electrocardiograms and play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions. This career will let you directly contribute to patient care and assist in detecting issues of the heart. 

Variety of work settings

EKG technicians don’t necessarily work in hospitals alone. They can work in many other healthcare settings, such as private clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and physician offices. 

So, this profession allows you to choose a work environment that suits you best.

Interpersonal interaction

This profession demands friendly nature. You need to be a guiding friend with the patients and help them feel comfortable during the procedure. You must build a quick bond and assure the patients that the tests are harmless. 

Continuous learning

Healthcare is an ever-evolving field. Being an EKG technician, you should stay up-to-date with new technologies, research, and diagnostic techniques. It will lead to personal and professional growth.

Flexible work hours

Healthcare facilities require EKG services around the clock, leading to various shift options. This flexibility can be advantageous for you if you seek non-traditional work hours. 

Competitive salary

EKG technicians earn a competitive industry standard salary. The salary might vary depending on your level of training, expertise, work environment, and the state you work in. 

See more on Certified EKG Technician Salary here.

Potential for advancement

After certification as an EKG Technician, you can pursue higher-level roles such as cardiac sonographers or cardiovascular technologists. All you need is additional education and certifications.

See: EKG Technician Certification

Cons of Becoming an EKG Technician

Here are the 10 Cons of becoming an EKG Technician: 

Emotional Demands

It can be emotionally challenging for you to work with patients who are experiencing heart-related issues. If witnessing a patient in distress or dealing with critical cases sounds difficult, time to rethink. Or, take up the challenge, and be strong emotionally like an EKG Technician. 

Physical Demands

EKG technicians may need to stand for long periods, lift and move patients, and perform repetitive tasks. This physical aspect of the job can be demanding and lead to fatigue or musculoskeletal strain.

Exposure to illness

Healthcare settings have a high risk of exposure to contagious diseases or infections. EKG technicians do not exclude from the list. You must follow strict safety protocols and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk.

Workload Variations

The workload of an EKG technician varies depending on the healthcare facility. During an emergency or in a critical care unit, you might face some periods of high demand and stress. 

Shift Work

If you are strict about personal routines, then this career might not be a fit for you. An EKG Technician works with flexible work hours. It may also mean working evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts. It could disrupt your routine and social life and make it challenging to maintain a work-life balance. 

High-stress Situations

All professions have some stress, but as an EKG technician, you may sometimes encounter high-stress situations, particularly while dealing with a critically ill patient or emergency.

Your ability to handle pressure and remain calm in such situations; will be tested. 

Continuing Education Requirements

The EKG Technicians must renew their certifications periodically. It involves constant learning, additional time, and financial investment. Remember, with each investment, your career shall only get better. 

Repetitive Nature of Tasks

Are you the one that seeks fresh challenges every day? Then this career might not be a fit for you. A significant part of this career is to perform electrocardiograms, and this repetitive nature might appear less exciting to you. 

Limited Patient Interaction

If you expect a high level of patient interaction, this career might not fit you. The EKG technician does interact with patients but is relatively less than certain healthcare professionals.

Remember, your journey is different. What may be a pro for one person could be a con for another. Take your time, consider your interests and goals, and make the decision that feels right for you. 

Good luck with your career exploration! 

Related:

• What is an EKG Technician?
• How Long Is EKG Technician Training?
• EKG Phlebotomy Technician
• EKG Technician Resume
• EKG Technician Job Description

Grant Aldrich

Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, who’s work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.